Pregnancy Precautions: FAQs

Almost as soon as you see that little line on the home pregnancy test, the worry
seems to set in. You start thinking about the two cups of coffee you had at work yesterday,
the glass of wine you sipped at dinner last week, the tuna steak you devoured for
lunch 2 weeks ago.

No doubt about it, pregnancy
can be one of the most thrilling and most worrisome times in a woman's life.
Of course, when you're pregnant, what you don't put into your body (or expose
it to) can be almost as important as what you do.

But worrying out about every little thing you come into contact with can make for
a long and stressful three trimesters. And fretting about things you did before you
knew you were pregnant or before you found out they could be hazardous won't do you
or your baby any good.

Questions abound regarding what women can and can't do during pregnancy. But the
answers may not always come from the most reliable sources, so you might worry unnecessarily.
Some warnings are worth listening to; others are popular but unproven rumors.

Knowing what could truly be harmful to your baby and what's not a real concern
is the key to keeping your sanity during these 40
weeks.

The Top Pregnancy Hazards

You'll need to be particularly mindful of a handful of things during your pregnancy,
some of which are more harmful than others. Your doctor (or other health care provider)
will talk to you about what should be completely avoided, what should be greatly reduced,
and what should be carefully considered during pregnancy.

Alcohol

Should I avoid it? Yes! Although it may seem harmless to have
a glass of wine at dinner or a mug of beer out with friends, no one knows what's a
"safe amount" of alcohol to drink during pregnancy. Fetal
alcohol syndrome (FAS) is caused by drinking a lot of alcohol during pregnancy.
What that amount is versus a safe amount is really not known. Because of the uncertainty,
it's always wise to be cautious and not drink any alcohol at all during pregnancy.

What are the risks to my baby?Alcohol is one of the most common causes of
physical, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities. It can be even more harmful to
a developing fetus than heroin, cocaine, or marijuana use.

Alcohol is easily passed along to the baby, whose body is less able to get rid
of alcohol than the mother's. That means an unborn baby tends to develop a high concentration
of alcohol, which stays in the baby's system for longer periods than it would in the
mother's. And moderate alcohol intake, as well as periodic binge drinking, can possibly
damage a baby's developing nervous
system.

What can I do about it? If you had a drink or two before you even
knew you were pregnant (as many women do), don't worry too much about it. But your
best bet is to not drink any more alcohol for the rest of your pregnancy.

If you're an alcoholic or think you may have a drinking problem, talk to your doctor
about it. He or she needs to know how much alcohol you've consumed and when during
your pregnancy to get a better idea of how your unborn baby might be affected. Your
doctor also can start you on a path to getting the help you need to stop drinking
— for your sake and your baby's.

Caffeine

Should I avoid and/or limit it? Yes. It's wise to cut down or
stop caffeine intake. Studies show that caffeine consumption of more than 200–300
milligrams a day (about 2–3 cups of coffee, depending on the portion size, brewing
method, and brand) might put a pregnancy at risk. Less than that amount is probably
safe.

What are the risks to my baby? High caffeine consumption has been
linked to an increased risk of miscarriage
and, possibly, other pregnancy complications.

What can I do about it? If you're having a hard time cutting out
coffee all at once, here's how you can start:

And remember that caffeine is not only in coffee. Green and black tea, cola,
and other soft drinks contain caffeine. Try switching to decaffeinated products (which
may still have some caffeine, but in much smaller amounts) or caffeine-free alternatives.

If you're wondering about chocolate, which also has caffeine, the good news is
that you can eat some in moderation. A cup of brewed coffee has 95–135
milligrams of caffeine, but the average chocolate bar has 5–30 milligrams. So,
small amounts of chocolate are fine.

Certain Foods

Are there some I should avoid? Yes. Foods that are more likely
to be contaminated with bacteria or heavy metals are ones to try to avoid or limit
your exposure to. Those you should steer clear of during pregnancy include:

processed meats like hot dogs and deli meats (these should be very well cooked
before eating)

Also, although fish and shellfish can be an extremely healthy part of your pregnancy
diet (they contain beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and are high in protein and
low in saturated fat), you should avoid eating certain kinds due to high levels
of mercury, which can damage the brain of a developing fetus.

Fish to avoid:

shark

swordfish

king mackerel

tilefish

tuna steak (limited amounts of canned, preferably light, tuna is OK)

What are the risks to my baby? Although it's important to eat
plenty of healthy foods during pregnancy, you also need to avoid foodborne illnesses,
such as listeriosis, toxoplasmosis,
and salmonella, which
are caused by the bacteria that can be found in certain foods. These infections
can be life-threatening to an unborn baby and may cause birth defects or miscarriage.

What can I do about it? Be sure to thoroughly wash all fruits
and vegetables, which can carry bacteria or be coated with pesticide residue.
And be mindful of what you're buying at the grocery store or when dining out.

When you choose seafood, eat a variety of fish and shellfish and limit the amount
to about 12 ounces per week — that's about two meals. Common fish and shellfish
that are low in mercury include: canned light tuna, catfish, pollock, salmon,
and shrimp. But because albacore (or white) tuna has more mercury than canned light
tuna, it's best to eat no more than 6 ounces (or one meal) of albacore tuna a week.

You may have to skip a few foods during pregnancy that you normally enjoy. But
just think how delicious they'll taste when you can have them again!

Changing
the Litter Box

Should I avoid it? Yes. Pregnancy is the prime time to get out
of cleaning kitty's litter box. But that doesn't mean that you have to keep
away from Fluffy!

What are the risks to my baby? An infection called toxoplasmosis
can be spread through soiled cat litter boxes and can cause serious problems in a
fetus, including prematurity,
poor growth, and severe eye and brain damage. A pregnant woman who becomes infected
often has no symptoms but can still pass the infection on to her developing baby.

What can I do about it? Have someone else change the litter box,
making sure to clean it thoroughly and regularly, then wash his or her hands well
afterward.

OTC and Prescription Medicines

Should I avoid them? Some, yes; others, no. There are many medicines you should
not use during pregnancy. Be sure to talk to your doctor about which prescription
and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs you can and can't take, even if they seem
like no big deal.

What are the risks to my baby? Even common OTC medicines that
you can buy in stores without a prescription may be off-limits during pregnancy because
of their potential effects on the baby. Certain prescription medicines may also harm
the developing fetus. (The type of harm and extent of possible damage depends on the
kind of medication.)

Also, although they may seem harmless, herbal remedies and supplements are not
regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That means that they don't
have to follow any safety standards and thus could be harmful to your baby.

What can I do about it? To make sure you don't take anything that
could put your baby at risk, talk to your doctor about:

any medicines you're taking — prescription and OTC — and
ask which are safe to take during pregnancy

any concerns you have about natural remedies, supplements, and vitamins

Also, let all of your health care providers know that you're pregnant so that they'll
keep that in mind when recommending or prescribing any medicines. If you were prescribed
a medication before you became pregnant for an illness, disease, or condition that
you still have, your doctor can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks of
continuing your prescription.

If you become sick (for example, with a cold) or have symptoms that cause you discomfort
or pain (like a headache or backache), talk to your doctor about medicines you can
take and other ways to help you feel better without medication.

Also, if you are in your third trimester, talk to your health care professional
if you are scheduled to have surgery or a medical procedure that would require the
use of general anesthesia.
The FDA has issued a warning about its possible
effects on an unborn baby's brain development.

Recreational
Drugs

Should I avoid them? Yes!

What are the risks to my baby? Pregnant women who use drugs may
be placing their unborn babies at risk for:

What can I do about it? If you've used any drugs at any time during
your pregnancy, it's important to tell your doctor. Even if you've quit, your unborn
child could still be at risk for health problems. If you're still using drugs, talk
to your doctor for help on how to quit. Health clinics such as Planned Parenthood
also can recommend health care providers, at little or no cost, who can help you quit
your habit and have a healthier pregnancy.

Smoking

Should I avoid it? Yes! You wouldn't light a cigarette, put it
in your baby's mouth, and encourage your little one to puff away. As ridiculous as
this sounds, pregnant women who continue to smoke are allowing their fetus to smoke
too. The smoking mother passes nicotine, carbon monoxide, and many other chemicals
to her growing baby.

Likewise, you should avoid people who are smoking, whether they're coworkers, friends,
family members, or people in public places.

What are the risks to my baby? If a pregnant woman smokes, it
could cause:

And the risks to a fetus from regular exposure to secondhand
smoke include low birth weight and slowed growth.

What can I do about it? If you smoke, having a baby may be the
reason you need to quit. Talk to your doctor about options for kicking the habit.

If you spend time with people who smoke, ask them nicely to do it outside —
and away from you if you're outside as well.

Artificial Sweeteners
(Sugar Substitutes)

Should I avoid them? Some are OK, others are best to avoid.

Aspartame, sucralose, stevioside, and acesulfame-K have
been found to be safe to use in moderation during pregnancy. However, you should avoid
aspartame if you or your partner has a rare hereditary disease called phenylketonuria
(PKU), in which the body can't break down the compound phenylalanine, which is
found in aspartame. In that case, you should avoid aspartame altogether since your
baby may also be born with the disease.

Experts are still unsure about whether saccharin, which is found in some foods
and in the little pink packets, is safe to use during pregnancy — it can cross
the placenta and could stay in the fetus' tissue. Also, a sweetener called cyclamate
is banned in the United States because of concerns about a possible link to cancer.

What are the risks, if any, to my baby? Although some people say
that the artificial sweetener aspartame is linked to birth defects and illnesses,
government authorities and medical groups throughout the world have evaluated aspartame
and approved it as safe for human consumption, including during pregnancy.

Research done during the 1970s suggested that saccharin caused bladder cancer in
lab rats when given in large quantities. Since then, though, those studies have often
been called into question. Also, a warning saying that it could cause cancer was removed
from all saccharin-containing products' labels in 2000.

What can I do about it? With aspartame, sucralose, stevioside,
and acesulfame-K, moderation is the key. It's OK to have an occasional diet soda or
sugar-free food with these sweeteners here and there. But if you're really craving
something sweet, it's probably better to have the real thing, as long as it's in moderation.

If you've already had something with saccharin in it during your pregnancy, don't
obsess about it. It's highly unlikely that small amounts could harm your baby.

Still, it's wise to check product labels and try to avoid — or at least limit
— anything with artificial sweeteners (especially saccharin), just to be safe.
After all, this is one time in your life when you have a good reason to avoid diet
foods! And the more naturally flavored whole foods you eat during pregnancy, the better.

Flying

Should I avoid it? No, not unless your due date is near or your
doctor tells you that you or your baby has a medical condition that warrants keeping
you near home. Women with certain health conditions — like high
blood pressure (hypertension) or blood clots, a history of miscarriage, premature
labor, ectopic pregnancy, or
other prenatal complications — are encouraged not to fly.

Otherwise, most healthy pregnant women can fly up to 4 weeks before their due date.
After that, it's best to stay close to home in case you deliver.

Note: it is recommended that pregnant women not fly to areas with high altitudes,
regions with disease outbreaks, or where certain vaccines are recommended for travelers
beforehand.

What are the risks, if any, to my baby? For women with healthy
pregnancies, there are no significant risks. However, women who have difficult pregnancies,
especially involving their cardiovascular system, could be compromised by air flight
and should discuss any flying plans with their doctor.

What can I do about it? Discuss any plans for lengthy or distant
travel with your doctor during your last trimester, just in case. If he or she says
it's OK, check with the airlines to find out what their policies are regarding flying
during pregnancy. (Most airlines will allow pregnant women to fly up until week
37.)

To make sure your flight is as comfortable as possible:

Move your lower legs regularly and/or get out of your seat (especially during
long flights) to promote blood circulation and help prevent blood clots.

Wear support stockings to further prevent clotting in your legs.

Keep your seatbelt on when you're seated to keep the jostling of turbulence to
a minimum.

Hair Dyes

Should I avoid them? No. According to the American College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), because very little dye is absorbed through
the skin, dying your hair is "most likely safe" during pregnancy, despite what doctors
in years past may have advised. That's good news for many expectant women —
coloring your hair can be a great little confidence boost when everything else going
on with your body feels so out of your control.

While very few studies have closely looked at the many different kinds of hair
treatments and their potential effects on a fetus, what is known shows that hair
treatments are most likely safe.

What are the risks, if any, to my baby? None that are currently
known.

What can I do about it? If you're concerned but want to give yourself
a little lift, try having your hair highlighted. This uses far fewer chemicals than
dying your entire head of hair.

High-Impact Exercise

Should I avoid it? Yes. For most pregnant women, low-impact exercise
is a great way to feel better and help prepare the body for labor. Low-impact exercise
increases your heart rate and intake of oxygen while helping you avoid sudden or jarring
actions that can stress your joints, bones, and muscles. Unless your doctor tells
you otherwise, stick to low-impact exercise.

How much is enough? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends
at least 150 minutes (that's 2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic
activity each week for healthy women who are not already highly active or used to
doing vigorous-intensity activity. If you were very active or did intense aerobic
activities before getting pregnant you may be able to continue your exercise routine,
as long as your doctor says it's safe for you and your baby.

It's wise to avoid some exercises and activities, such as:

weight training and heavy lifting (after the first trimester)

sit-ups (also after the first trimester)

contact sports

scuba diving

bouncing

jarring (anything that would cause a lot of up and down movement, such as horseback
riding)

leaping

a sudden change of direction (such as downhill skiing)

anything with an increased risk for falling, like gymnastics

What are the risks, if any, to my baby? High-impact exercise can
cause increased pressure on the structures within the uterus that could lead to problems
such as premature labor or bleeding.

What can I do about it? Some of the healthy ways pregnant women
can stay fit include walking, swimming, water aerobics, yoga, and Pilates. But be
sure to talk to your doctor before starting — or continuing — any exercise
routine during pregnancy.

Household Chemicals

Should I avoid them? Some, yes; others, no. While chemicals like
ammonia and chlorine may make you nauseated because of the smell, they're not toxic,
says the March of Dimes. But others (such as some paints, paint thinners, oven cleaners,
varnish removers, air fresheners, aerosols, carpet cleaners, etc.) might be.

What are the risks, if any, to my baby? It depends on the product.
Some household chemicals may have no effect, while others in high doses could be harmful.

What can I do about it? Here a few tips to help keep household
chemicals use safe during your pregnancy:

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have with chemicals you use at home
or at work.

Look at product labels before using any product. If it's unsafe to use
during pregnancy, the label should say that it's toxic. Find out not only if it's
safe for you to use, but if it's safe for you to be around when
being used by someone else. If the label doesn't specify, contact the manufacturer.

Open windows and doors, and use rubber gloves and a mask when cleaning with or
using any chemical.

Wash your hands and arms, even if you wore gloves, after using any chemical.

Opt for natural products like baking soda, borax, and vinegar for cleaning.

Have someone else paint the baby's nursery, as much you'd probably like to do
it yourself. And definitely don't help with the removal of paint if your home was
built before 1978 as it may contain lead-based paint. Although many paints today are
considered safer than those of the past, it's still a good idea to let someone else
handle painting. You can always take over the decorating duties after the paint dries!

Bug Sprays (Insecticides, Pesticides, Repellents)

Should I avoid them? Yes. They're considered poisons, and pregnant
women should stay away from them as much as possible.

What are the risks, if any, to my baby? Although the occasional
household use of insecticides might not be dangerous, it's best to be careful. High
levels of exposure may cause:

miscarriage

premature delivery

birth defects

As for insect repellents (which may contain DEET, or diethyltoluamide), the risks
aren't fully known. So, it's best to either not use them at all during pregnancy or
to wear gloves to place a small amount on socks, shoes, and outer clothing instead
of putting repellents directly on your skin.

What can I do about it? If you have a real problem with pesky
bugs around your home, the March of Dimes suggests the following:

Use safer methods of removal such as boric acid, which you should be able to find
at your local hardware store.

Make sure someone else applies the pesticides.

When pesticides are sprayed outside, close all windows and turn off air-conditioning
units and window fans to prevent the fumes from entering your home.

Remove utensils, food, and dishes from areas where the chemicals will be used.

Stay away from the treated area during the application and after for the amount
of time specified on the product label.

After pesticide use indoors, have someone else wash any treated area where food
is prepared or served.

Wear rubber gloves when gardening outside where pesticides have been used.

Have your water supply tested regularly if you have well water and use pesticides,
fertilizers, or weed killers.

Lead

Should I avoid it? Yes. However, exposure to high lead levels
is rare for women in the United States.

What are the risks, if any, to my baby? Exposure to high levels
of lead can cause:

miscarriage

premature delivery

low birth weight

developmental delays

But even low levels of lead can cause subtle problems with behavior and learning
in children.

What can I do about it? If your home was built before 1978, it
could have lead-based paint. But it only becomes a problem if the paint is chipping,
peeling, or being removed. Some homes also may have lead pipes or copper piping with
lead solder that can allow lead to enter the tap water.

If you have an older home or think that you may have lead piping or soldering and
are concerned about lead exposure, you can have a professional come out to test your
water, the dust in your home, the soil outside, and/or the paint around your home
for lead.

Make sure that anyone who removes any potentially lead-based paint from your home:

is a professional trained in removing lead paint (getting rid of lead-based paint
isn't a project for a do-it-yourselfer!)

removes it when you're not there

doesn't scrape, sand, or use a heat gun to remove the paint (these methods may
send lead dust into the air)

thoroughly cleans the area immediately afterward

To help reduce potential lead levels in your tap water, you can run the water for
30 seconds before using it and/or buy a water filter that specifically says on the
packaging that it removes lead.

Overheating (Hot Tubs, Saunas, Electric Blankets, etc.)

Should I avoid or limit it? Yes. You should limit activities that
would raise your core temperature above 102°F (38.9°C). They include:

using saunas or hot tubs

taking very hot, long baths and showers

using electric blankets or heating pads

getting a high fever

becoming overheated when outside in hot weather or when exercising

What are the risks, if any, to my baby? If your body temperature
goes above 102°F (38.9°C) for more than 10 minutes, the elevated heat can
cause problems with the fetus. Overheating in the first trimester can lead to neural
tube defects and miscarriage. Later in the pregnancy, it can lead to dehydration
in the mother.

What can I do about it? Instead of hot tubs or saunas, take a
dip in a cool pool. And it's probably a good idea to stick to warm or slightly hot
baths and showers. If you have a fever during your pregnancy, talk to your doctor
about ways to lower it. And follow your body's cues that you're getting overheated
when exercising or enjoying the great outdoors in the warmer months.

But if you've already become overheated during your pregnancy, don't worry too
much about it. Chances are, you removed yourself from the uncomfortable situation
before any damage was done.

Self-Tanners, Sunless Tanners

Should I avoid them? Maybe. Although there's no proof that self-tanners
are harmful to an unborn baby, there haven't been many studies done on their effects
to a fetus.

What are the risks, if any, to my baby? No risks specific to tanning
have been documented.

What can I do about it? For a summer glow, skip the self-tanner
and apply some bronzer to your face, neck, shoulders, and chest. And if you do decide
to try a self-tanner, that's far safer than lying out in the sun
and becoming potentially overheated. Overheating in the first trimester, as discussed
above, can lead to significant problems for the baby; later in the pregnancy, it could
lead to dehydration in the mother. Still, ask your doctor before applying any "tan
in a bottle."

Sex

Should I avoid it? No. Most pregnant women having a "normal" pregnancy
can continue having sex
— it's perfectly safe for both mom and the baby, even up until the delivery.
Of course, you'll probably need to adapt positions for your own comfort as your belly
gets bigger.

Doctors may advise against sexual intercourse if they anticipate or find significant
complications with a woman's pregnancy, including:

a history or threat of miscarriage

a history of pre-term labor (previously delivering a baby before 37 weeks) or
signs indicating the risk of pre-term labor (such as premature uterine contractions)

unexplained vaginal bleeding, discharge, or cramping

leakage of amniotic fluid (the fluid that surrounds the baby)

placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta (the blood-rich structure that
nourishes the baby) is situated down so low that it covers the cervix (the opening
of the uterus)

incompetent cervix, a condition in which the cervix is weakened and dilates (opens)
early, raising the risk for miscarriage or premature delivery

What can I do about it? Talk to your doctor about any discomfort
you have during or after sex or any other concerns.

Tap Water, Drinking Water

Should I avoid it? Not necessarily. Before you go out and buy
a 9-month supply of bottled water, tell your doctor where you live and whether you
have public water or well water.

It's also important to note that just because water is bottled doesn't necessarily
mean it's safer. Although bottled water (which is regulated by the FDA) may taste
better or just different, tap water meets the same Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) standards.

What are the risks, if any, to my baby? Different studies show
different things, according to the March of Dimes. Some have found that the chlorine
used to treat public water can turn into chloroform when it mixes with other materials
in the water, which can increase the risk of miscarriage and poor fetal growth. But
other studies have found no such links. Also of concern to some is the potential for
the water to be contaminated by things like lead and pesticides. If you have well
water, you should probably have it checked regularly, such as once a year, whether
you're pregnant or not.

What can I do about it? If you're worried, contact your local
water supplier to get a copy of the annual water quality report. If you're still concerned
and/or have private well water, have your water tested by a state-certified laboratory.
This can cost anywhere from $15 to hundreds of dollars, depending on the number of
contaminants you want to have your water tested for.

To help ease your mind, you could also buy a water filtration system to help lower
the levels of lead, some bacteria and viruses, and chemicals such as chlorine. Be
sure to read the product's label, as some filters do more than others.

Countertop pitcher and faucet-mounted units are fairly inexpensive (some for under
$50), whereas systems used to treat your entire home's water supply are much pricier
(up to thousands of dollars). You can also have refillable water coolers delivered
to your home, often through wholesale — or bulk items — stores.

Teeth Whiteners, Teeth Bleaching

Should I avoid them? Maybe. As with self-tanners, no good studies
have been done on teeth whiteners that say for sure whether they're safe to use if
you're expecting. And some makers of whitening products do caution against using them
during pregnancy. Some dentists encourage waiting until after pregnancy to get your
teeth whitened and others say that the procedures are safe. The concern is mostly
about the chemicals used in teeth whitening products that could be swallowed and the
potential effect on a fetus.

What are the risks, if any, to my baby? There's currently no evidence
that teeth whitening can harm a fetus.

What can I do about it? Talk to your doctor before using whitening
products. If you'd rather wait until after your pregnancy to try to make your teeth
pearly white, simply brush regularly with whitening toothpaste, which may give a little
extra kick to your smile.

Vaccinations

Should I avoid them? Many, yes; others, no. It's best to wait
until after your pregnancy for most vaccines,
but a few are considered safe. Your doctor may say it's OK to get a vaccine
if:

there's a good chance that you could be exposed to a particular disease or infection
and the benefits of vaccinating you outweigh the potential risks

an infection would pose a risk to you or your baby

the vaccine is unlikely to cause harm

The flu shot fits the criteria above and is recommended by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during any stage of pregnancy. Pregnant
women should only get the shot made with the inactivated virus. The flu vaccine previously
also came in a nasal spray (or mist) form, but it contained live strains of the virus
and was never safe for moms-to-be. Currently, the nasal spray is not recommended for
anyone because the CDC found that it didn't prevent cases of the flu between 2013
and 2016.

The flu vaccine can curb flu-related problems for expectant moms, who are at higher
risk of complications from the illness. And, the vaccine is safe — studies show
no harmful effects to a fetus. It also helps protect a mother and her baby from getting
the flu (and other viruses) in the baby's first year of life.

The Tdap vaccine (against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) is now recommended for all pregnant women in the second
half of each
pregnancy, regardless of whether or not they had the vaccine before, or when it was
last given. This new recommendation was made in response to a rise in pertussis (whooping
cough) infections, which can be fatal in newborns who have not yet had their routine
vaccinations.

In addition to the flu shot and Tdap vaccine, other vaccines the CDC considers
safe during pregnancy, but only if truly necessary, are:

What are the risks, if any, to my baby? Live-virus vaccines —
those containing a live organism — aren't recommended for pregnant women because
of the risk that the actual infection or disease the vaccine is meant to prevent may
be passed along to the unborn baby. However, this depends on the circumstances and
whether the vaccine would ultimately be safer to receive than being exposed to the
actual disease. For example, the chickenpox
vaccine may be safer to your unborn baby than getting the infection. So, it's important
to speak to your doctor if you believe that you may have been exposed to a disease.

For the most part, though, researchers don't know what the risks of some vaccines
may be to a fetus. So, it's wise to just wait to be vaccinated unless your doctor
tells you otherwise.

What can I do about it? Be sure to talk to your doctor before
getting any vaccination during pregnancy. Also tell your doctor if you became
pregnant within 4 weeks of having a vaccine. And if your workplace requires certain
vaccines, be sure to let them know you're pregnant before agreeing to be immunized.

X-Rays

Should I avoid them? Yes and no. If your doctor thinks it's truly
necessary — for your own well-being or your baby's — to get one during
your pregnancy, then it's highly unlikely that low levels of X-ray radiation will
be harmful. However, if you can safely wait to get an X-ray until after your baby
is born, then that's probably the best way to go.

What are the risks, if any, to my baby? Health experts say that
X-rays are most likely safe during pregnancy. Most diagnostic X-rays emit much less
than 5 rads, which is the limit of what the FDA suggests a pregnant woman should be
exposed to.

Different imaging studies use different amounts of radiation and the direction
of the X-ray beam also affects the possible exposure to the fetus. Dental X-rays,
for example, aren't cause for much concern because the X-ray area is far from the
uterus.

What can I do about it? Researchers believe that a fetus
is more at risk for damage by radiation because of the rapid rate with which its cells
are dividing. Always make sure that your health care
providers (including your dentist and the X-ray technician) know about your pregnancy
before you get an X-ray. Also make sure that your stomach is covered with a lead apron.

If you're concerned and would rather not get an X-ray at all during pregnancy,
your doctor may be able to use an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test during the
first trimester or an ultrasound anytime.

Keeping Things in Perspective

Although some things are unsafe during pregnancy, try not to spend too much time
wondering and worrying. When in doubt, just use common sense — if it seems like
a bad idea, doesn't need to be done right now, or might be risky, hold off at least
until you've talked with your doctor about it. He or she can likely help ease your
mind and may even say it's fine to do something you never expected to be able to do
until after your special delivery.

Above all, make sure to follow the most important healthy pregnancy habits —
eat right; get plenty of rest; steer clear of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco —
and you'll be well on your way to keeping both you and your baby healthy.